Effects of cornus mas L. on blood glucose, insulin and histopathology of pancreas in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and disturbances in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Cornus mas (cornaceae) is one of the major medicinal plants in Asian countries that cotained high level of anthocyanins with potential to prevent hyperglycemia and obesity. In this study, we investigated antidiabetic effects of cornus mas in compared to glibenclamid as a standard drug on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty two male Wistar rats (190-240 g) were divided into four groups (n = 8): group 1 nondiabetic rats, group 2 alloxan-induced diabetic rats with no treatment, group 3 alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with glibenclamid (0.6 mg/kg body weight) and group 4 alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with cornus mas fruit 2 g daily for 4 weeks. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan 120 (mg/kg body weight). Findings: The results indicated that treatment with cornus mas fruit orally significantly reduced blood glucose levels and increased insulin levels in treatment of diabetic rats compared with no treatment diabetic group. Concurrent histological studies of the pancreas demonstrated the same results. On the base of histological results, cornus mas have a significant on increasing the size of pancreatic islets than diabetic groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results showed that cornus mas fruit has antidiabetic effects and can improve pancreas damage caused by free radicals in diabetes. The effects of this fruit can occur due to the presence of anthocyanin and other antioxidant compounds

Correlation between serum concentration of lead, mercury and cadmium with coronary artery disease

زمینه و هدف: بیماری های عروق کرونر یکی از دلایل مهم مرگ و میر در جهان به شمار می آیند و امروزه تلاش های بسیاری برای شناسایی ریسک فاکتورهای جدید صورت می گیرد. این مطالعه با هدف بررسی ارتباط بین غلظت سرمی سرب، جیوه و کادمیوم و بیماری عروق کرونر انجام شده است. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه توصیفی تحلیلی، غلظت سرمی سرب، جیوه و کادمیوم در 65 بیمار (35 زن و 30 مرد) مبتلا به تنگی عروق کرونر و 65 شاهد (43 زن و 22 مرد) با استفاده از دستگاه جذب اتمی بدون شعله اندازه گیری و به کمک آزمون های تی مستقل، کای دو و آنالیز کواریانس مقایسه شدند. یافته ها: نتایج حاصل از اندازه گیری نشان داد میانگین غلظت فلزات در بیماران به طور معنی داری نسبت به گروه کنترل بالاتر است (05/0>P). بعد از تعدیل سایر ریسک فاکتورهای قلبی، باز هم اختلاف بین دو گروه معنی دار بود (05/0>P). نتیجه گیری: نتایج حاصل از مطالعه ما نشان می دهد سطح سرمی فلزات سنگین می تواند با بیماری عروق کرونر ارتباط داشته باشند

Effect of anti-inflammatory drug (Piroxicam) on the development of fatty streak and biochemical factors in cholesterol-fed rabbits

زمینه و هدف: با توجه به اینکه هنوز علت اصلی مرگ و میر در اکثر نقاط دنیا بیماریهای قلبی- عروقی است، پیشگیری و درمان این بیماریها با توجه به مکانیسم های جدید ارائه شده قابل توجه است. این پروژه با تکیه بر مکانیسم جدید بیماریهای عروقی مبنی بر یک بیماری التهابی در صدد یافتن ترکیبات خاص در پیشگیری از تشکیل و پیشرفت رگه های چربی (fatty streak) در آترواسکلروز بوده است. روش مطالعه: در یک مطالعه مداخله ای 20 خرگوش نر به مدت 14 هفته مورد بررسی قرار گرفتند. خرگوشها بصورت انتخابی در 4 گروه 5 تایی تقسیم شدند و همه این گروهها در ابتدا به مدت2 هفته تحت رژیم پایه قرار گرفتند. سپس، گروه اول تا پایان دوره تحت رژیم استاندارد، گروه دوم علاوه بر رژیم استاندارد، روزانه mg6 پیروکسیکام تزریقی دریافت کردند، گروه سوم تحت رژیم پرکلسترول و گروه چهارم علاوه بر رژیم پرکلسترول روزانه mg6 پیروکسیـــکام تزریقی دریافت کردند. در طـــی این دوره در دو نوبت (بعد از رژیم پایه و در پایـــان دوره) از خرگوشها جهت آزمایشات بیوشیمیـــایی مختلف از جمله کلسترول تام، لیپوپروتئین با دانسیته پائین (LDL)، لیپوپروتئین با دانسیتـــه بالا (HDL)، مالون دی آلدئید، قند خون ناشتا (FBS)، CRP (C-Reactive protein) کمی، تری گلیسیرید و ظرفیت آنتی اکسیدان خونگیری به عمل آمد. در پایان پس از اتوپسی، نمونه آئورت و کرونرهای راست و چپ مورد بررسی پاتولوژی قرار گرفت. نتایج: رژیم پرکلسترول در مقایسه با رژیم استاندارد باعث ایجاد fatty streakدر عروق کرونر و آئورت شد (0001/0

A comparative study on hypoglycemic properties, lipid profile and bioactive components of hydro-alcoholic extracts of cooked and raw Brassica napus.

Introduction: Many plants with anti-oxidant properties proved to be effective on diabetes treatment. Brassica napus (turnip) is an anti-oxidant plant consumed raw or cooked. In this study, we examined and compared hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of raw and cooked Brassica napus in diabetic rats. Objectives: Due to measuring bioactive component of Brassica napus as a rich source of flavonoid we investigate the hypoglycemic properties in raw and cooked type. Material and Methods: For this experimental study, 50 male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were designated into five groups of 10 consist of control, diabetic control, diabetic cooked turnip, diabetic raw turnip, and diabetic glibenclamide. The alloxan-induced diabetic rats received extracts orally for 4 weeks. Then, the serum biochemical factors were measured and compared statisticaly by analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Results: Serum glucose, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly decreased in cooked and raw turnip rats compared to control ones. Cooked and raw Brassica napus extracts both helped high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increase; cooked turnip competency was superior in view of cholesterol and LDL-C decrease as well as HDL-C increase (P < 0.05). The mean difference in glucose and TG decrease was not significant between diabetic cooked turnip and diabetic raw turnip rats. Conclusion: Improving the blood glucose and lipid levels diabetic rats, in this study, may indicate that both raw and cooked Brassica napus extracts (especially the cooked one) may be beneficial in diabetic patients

Postprandial hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects of Allium hertifolium and Sesamum indicum on hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Oxidative stress associated with postprandial hyperlipidemia contributes to endothelial dysfunction, which shifts hemostasis to a more thrombogenic state. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of Allium hertifolium and Sesamum indicum on postprandial lipemic, glycemic profile and endothelial markers in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. A total of 32 male rabbits were randomized into 4 groups: Group 1: Control group (normal group); Group 2: Hypercholesterolemic diet (1% cholesterol); Group 3: 1% cholesterol administered with A. hertifolium extract (2% of diet); Group 4: 1% cholesterol administered with S. indicum powder (10% of diet). The serum was analyzed for lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC); triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), ApoB), glucose, nitrite, nitrate, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) levels and plasma was analyzed for fibrinogen and factor VII. These factors were measured in blood samples following 15 h of fasting and 3 h after feeding. The results showed A. hertifolium and S. indicum to be effective in reducing SGPT, fibrinogen, total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C values in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet group. Consumption of A. hertifolium and S. indicum did not significantly change factor VII, ApoB and nitrite levels in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet group. Intake of S. indicum significantly decreased serum SGOT, nitrate, glucose and TG compared to hypercholesterolemic diet group. A. hertifolium and S. indicum with a high content of phenolic compounds change the postprandial profile lipids, endothelial markers and trombogenic factors and might be beneficial in patients with cardiovascular diseases

White Rice Consumption and CVD Risk Factors among Iranian Population

Association between white rice intake and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases remained uncertain. Most of the previous published studies have been done in western countries with different lifestyles, and scant data are available from the Middle East region, including Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the structure of Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) to assess the association between white rice consumption and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, 3,006 men were included from three counties of Isfahan, Najafabad, and Arak by multistage cluster random-sampling method. Dietary intake was assessed with a 49-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Laboratory assessment was done in a standardized central laboratory. Outcome variables were fasting blood glucose, serum lipid levels, and anthropometric variables. Socioeconomic and demographic data, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) were considered covariates and were adjusted in analysis. In this study, Student's t-test, chi-square test, and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. Means of BMI among those subjects who consumed white rice less than 7 times per week and people who consumed 7-14 times per week were almost similar-24.8 +/- 4.3 vs 24.5 +/- 4.7 kg/m(2). There was no significant association between white rice consumption and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, such as fasting blood sugar and serum lipid profiles. Although whole grain consumption has undeniable effect on preventing cardiovascular disease risk, white rice consumption was not associated with cardiovascular risks among Iranian men in the present study. Further prospective studies with a semi-quantitative FFQ or dietary record questionnaire, representing type and portion-size of rice intake as well as cooking methods and other foods consumed with rice that affect glycaemic index (GI) of rice, are required to support our finding and to illustrate the probable mechanism

Allium hirtifolium Boiss: Radical scavenging property and the lowering effects on blood fibrinogen and factor VII

Enhancement of blood fibrinogen or factor VII increases cardiovascular diseases. Allium hirtifolium Boiss (Mosir) has been shown to have cardioprotective effect. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effects of Allium hirtifolium Boiss on factor VII and fibrinogen blood levels. Its radical scavenging property was also measured. Twenty four NewZealand male rabbits were randomly designated into 3 groups of 8 and were fed for 60 days with normal diet, hypercholestrol (1%) diet or hypercholestrol (1%) diet+Mosir. At the beginning and 60 days after the start of the study, the blood fibrinogen and factor 7 were measured and compared in different groups. The Mosir radical scavenging property was measured using the beta-carotene linoleate method. The blood fibrinogen and factor 7 were higher in hypercholesterolemic group (26.7 +/- 329.22 and 17.1 +/- 277.7mg/dl) compared to normal diet group (13.7 +/- 287.25 and 18.2 +/- 230.0 mg/dl, respectively) (P<0.05), at the end of the experiment. The amount of blood fibrinogen and factor 7 were decreased in hypercholesterol+Mosir group (23.9 +/- 180.00 and 53.3 +/- 237.0 mg/dl) compared to hypercholesterol diet group (P<0.05). radical scavenging activity of Mosir extract was 52.1 +/- 3.3%. Mosir may have beneficial effect on heart by decreasing blood fibrinogen and factor 7 as cardiovascular risk factors. These effects of Mosir should be considered carefully in patients with hemostatic disorders. Asgari. S, Rafieian-kopaei. M, Pourgheysari. B, Ansari-Samani. R, Deris F, Shahinfard. N, Hojjati. MR and Salimi. M. Allium hirtifolium Boiss: Radical scavenging property and the lowering effects on blood fibrinogen and factor VII. Life Sci J 2012;9(3):1793-1798] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 25

Antioxidant activity and the lowering effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium hirtifolium boisson some haemostatic factors in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Background and purpose: Hypercholesterolemia and the activity of haemostatic factors may trigger cardiovascular diseases. Allium hirtifolium Boiss (Persian shallot) has been shown to have cardioprotective effects. This study evaluated the effects of A. hirtifoliumon on factor VII and serum fibrinogen levels in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Also, the antioxidant capacity of A. hirtifolium was measured. Materials and methods: In an experimental study, 24 NewZealand male rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups of eight. The groups' diet which was followed for 60 days included normal diet, hypercholestrol diet (1%) or hypercholestrol diet (1%) + A. hirtifolium. The blood fibrinogen and factor VII were measured pre and post study in all groups. The A. hirtifolium antioxidant capacity was measured using beta-carotene linoleate. Results: The study showed that serum fibrinogen level and factor VII increased significantly in hypercholesterolemic group (329.22 ± 26.7 and 277.7 ± 17.1 mg/dl) compared to normal diet group (287.25 ± 13.7 and 230.0 ± 18.2 mg/dl), respectively (P<0.05). The amount of serum fibrinogen and factor VII decreased in hypercholesterol+A. hirtifolium group (180.0 ± 23.9 and 237.0 ± 53.3 mg/dl) compared to hypercholesterol diet group (P<0.05). The antioxidant capacity of A. hirtifolium extract was 52.1 ± 3.3% in 0.2 g/L. The plasma antioxidant capacity in the group fed with hypercholesterol + A. hirtifolium was 943.907 ± 249.51 µM which was higher compared to that of the normal diet group (629.675 ± 130.73 µM). Conclusion: A. hirtifolium decreases serum fibrinogen level and factor VII, therefore, it might be helpful in reducing risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. These influences are of great importance in patients with haemostatic disorder

Cervical ripening before surgical evacuation of first-trimester pregnancy: a comparison between misoprostol and trinitroglycerin

Introduction: Termination of pregnancy through curettage in the first trimester requires cervical ripening (CR) which can be induced by medicinal or mechanical methods. In the pharmaceutical method, vaginal administration of misoprostol, as well as vaginal trinitroglycerin (TNG), has been shown to induce effective CR. This study was conducted with the aim of comparing vaginal misoprostol and vaginal TNG in the CR of women candidates for the first-trimester curettage. Materials and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial study was conducted on 168 pregnant women with a gestational age of less than 14 weeks who were candidates for curettage. Participants were randomly divided into two groups receiving vaginally either TNG (400 µgr)(n=87) or misoprostol (400 µgr) (n=81). Then, the state of CR and the need for mechanical dilatation were compared between the two groups. Also, the presence of any side effects caused by drug use was determined. Results: The percentage of CR in the misoprostol group (67.9%) was significantly higher than in the TNG group (32.2%) (P0.001). Generally, the rate of complications in the TNG group (35.6%) was significantly higher compared with the misoprostol group (13.6%) (P>0.001). Conclusion: Vaginally Misoprostol is more effective than vaginally TNG on CR of first-trimester curettage as well as it significantly reduces the need for mechanical dilatation of the cervix